New Zealand Boosts Student Work Limit to 25 Hours. Here’s What You Need to Know.

For Indian students planning their study abroad budget, New Zealand just provided some major relief.

In a significant policy update, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that eligible international students can now work up to 25 hours per week during their academic term. This is a substantial boost from the previous 20-hour limit.

This new rule takes effect on November 3, 2025.

This 5-hour increase is a direct response to the rising cost of living and makes New Zealand a far more attractive "Plan B" (or "Plan A") for students worried about finances. But the "insider" detail is knowing who this rule really applies to.

Who is (and is NOT) Affected?

This is the most common point of confusion, and it is critical to get it right. This 25-hour rule does not apply to everyone.

Who This Change IS For:

• Undergraduate (Bachelor's) Students: If you are a full-time university or college student, your work limit is now 25 hours per week.
• Postgraduate (Taught Master's) Students: If you are doing a Master's by Coursework or a Postgraduate Diploma, this new 25-hour limit applies to you.
• Secondary School Students: Students in Years 12 and 13 can also work up to 25 hours, but they still require written permission from their parents and school.

Who This Change is NOT For (And Why):

This is the hard-to-find fact that many students miss. This new rule does not affect students in the following categories:

• PhD Students: You already have unlimited work rights and are not subject to any hourly cap.
• Master's by Research Students: Like PhD candidates, if your degree is classified as "by research" (typically a 90+ credit thesis), you also have unlimited work rights.

This change is specifically designed to help the largest group of students (undergraduates and taught master's) who were previously restricted to 20 hours.

What This Really Means for Your Budget

This isn't just "5 extra hours." This is a significant financial upgrade.

• The adult minimum wage in New Zealand is NZD $23.15 per hour (as of April 2024, with a planned increase to $23.50 in April 2025).
• Those extra 5 hours per week translate to over NZD $115 more in your pocket every single week.
• Over a typical 8-month academic year, that's an extra NZD $3,680+ (approx. ₹1.88 Lakhs) to help cover your rent, groceries, or utilities.

Before you jump into a 25-hour work week, here are the official rules:

• Check Your Visa: This new rule applies to all new student visas granted from November 3, 2025, onwards.
• If You Are Already in NZ: If you are a current student with "20 hours" printed on your visa, you are not automatically upgraded. You must apply for a "Variation of Conditions" (VOC) with INZ to have your visa updated to 25 hours.
• You Still Can't Be Self-Employed: This policy still requires you to be an employee for an employer. You cannot start your own business or work as a freelancer.
• Full-Time Work on Breaks: This new rule does not change the holiday policy. All eligible students can still work full-time (unlimited hours) during scheduled academic breaks, like the summer holidays.

This is a powerful, positive move from the New Zealand government, making it one of the most flexible and supportive countries for students balancing work and study.

This 25-hour work week is a game-changer for your budget. Talk to a Leap Scholar expert today to find the right course and get your New Zealand application started.